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    Penny's Drive In

    4.2 (130 reviews)
    InexpensiveHawaiian
    Open • 5:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Penny's Drive In Photos

    Business Info

    PENNY'S DRIVE IN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Outside
    Nadine C.

    Breakfast in Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawai'i... I saw Deborah and Gabriel check in at this local eatery and wanted to check it out... Penny's Drive In isn't open on weekends nor during dinner hours. I'm guessing that their customers would be working people who want hearty, convenient, comfort food type of Breakfasts and lunches. There's free parking right in front of the shop. Inside, there was a small dining area (hardly any air-conditioning) with St. Patrick's Day decorations... I liked it! Service was very friendly and efficient. I was offered a choice of rice, mac salad, or tossed salad. Then, choice of dressing for my green salad. Also, the nice cashier asked if I'd like some pickled onions... okay! (They were on the savory side... not the sweet style... FYI...) At first, I didn't see Roast Pork on the menu... then I looked up on the wall behind the cashier... yay... the regular menu even had hamburger Steak! Ahhh... next time! The small Roast pork plate was just right. The gravy to rice ratio was spot on! The pork was tender and tasty! Mmm! Lettuce was fresh and the rice was cooked perfectly! Thanks for the wonderful foodie experience!

    Fried Chicken wings plate
    Gabriel P.

    Pickup a fried chicken wings plate today. It came with 6 pieces of chicken wings mac salad and rice. It was nice and crisp. How ever the wings was overwhelmed with salt. The mac salad was on the sweet side. My wife ordered the Portuguese sausage breakfast. Her comment was breakfast is breakfast. The service was friendly and efficient. They do have limited seating. Four high counter stools, and two tables. Enjoy

    Mini mahi mahi
    Rowena Y.

    Thank you Penny's for the good customer service and best breaded mahi mahi. It's been over 20 years since I've been here.

    Chicken wings plate
    Deborah P.

    After my doctor's appointment my husbandxwanted breakfast again at the place on sand island access road. Well we went there but they close on Thursday so the next place was Penny's. I walked in and I chose breakfast 2 eggs with Portuguese sausage. My husband chose fried chicken. The service was friendly and the pick up was at the other side of the counter. After you order then you go to the other side to pick up. Came home and we ate my breakfast was ok breakfast is breakfast the Portuguese sausage was 5 pieces and the eggs were cooked good over easy yolk was nice and running. My husband chicken he said was salty. The pickle onions was vinegary. It turned out to be chicken wings not different kind of pieces of chicken. I guess now to try their pies looks homemade in their refrigerator section. Other than that said the food was OK

    Regular Hamburger steak plate , delicious! Third best on Oahu , so far!
    Gerald P.

    Went by their good reviews & was close to Sand Island Road,easy to find, parking limited in areas fronting drive in. Once inside, nice menu items,breakfast starting @ 5am and pau @ 10am & running thru lunch, closes @ 1:30 pm. Looking for the best Hamburger steak plate in Hawaii , went with their reviews & ordered that with a small salt less fries. You can dine in, they have about seating for about 12 no a/c , so was pretty warm. I suggest going to the near by beach park. They serve Coke products. Hamburger steak regular plate was $ 14.50 Side of chopped onions in a small ramekin, White rice & Mac salad. The steak & gravy was good , but I know of 2 other Oahu eatery's that do it better.Fries were hot & excellent& both portions were value good. The gal, ( aunty) taking & serving our food was super service oriented & friendly. Will return if in the area. Closed on the weekends! Enjoy! Penny's.

    Small plate of sweet & sour pork ribs with a large fountain coke drink.
    Randy M.

    The sweet & sour spare ribs and a large Coke. Is today's choice for lunch. Time to put it to test and rate it

    ...huh?
    Craig S.

    ...does that sign even make any sense? I know they're closed on the weekend but when they come back, will Monday and Tuesday cease to exist anymore? Anyway, their roast beef plate is worth the wait! Cooked, proportioned and seasoned PERFECTLY (I often dream about the way the meat and gravy taste together)!!!

    Jason M.

    First time typing here, wife and mother in law always come for the hamburger curry! I got the roast pork with brown gravy and shoyu chicken! Both was very tender and the brown gravy was very tasty! Service was fast and friendly and I'll be back!

    Lois I.

    Went to Penny's Drive In and ordered the mini roast pork with pickled onions ($.25). I am coming out of a bad case of bronchitis, but this lunch hit the spot. It tasted very good considering my taste buds are not all working. The pickled onions was what I needed. We ordered ahead...and the food was ready on time for pick up. No real ambience...but cute little diner....nice selection on the menu.

    Lily D.

    cute hole in the wall in sand island. i like how they are pretty festive with their decorations for Halloween. there is a few parking stalls out front - and i think 2 of them was dedicated to just pennys. they take cash or card with a small fee. ordering is simple through the first window at the entrance. there is some kind of PA system so they can hear you through the glass. all of the worders were really friendly. pickup is at the next window at towards the exit, but they don't want you to block the area so just move aside. There is a few bar tables and sit down tables in this back corner if you decide to eat there. I ordered the hamburger deluxe for 5.50, beef stew bowl no rice for $9, and then a saimin $5. the hamburger was the best. beef stew could have been better if the meat was softer, and the saimin noodles was soggy - maybe because it was already in the soup and not separated. the saimin bowl was also leaking from the top lid. otherwise, the food is ok, but not something i would go out of my way for again.

    Regular breakfast corn beef hash fried rice over easy eggs

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    2 years ago

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    4 months ago

    Best breakfast take out!!! Love their fried rice and corned beef hash!!! The ladies they are always so nice and friendly!!!

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Best local food in town! Especially take-out plates and the best hamburger sandwiches I ever had!

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    pennys is mayjah. The food is super Ono and the service is very fast. The prices are actually affordable unlike Everywhere else in Hawai'i

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    1 year ago

    Yummy food. I like the hash. Go early, fried rice sells out fast. They close early anyways. Nice aunties...another diamond in the rough.

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    2 years ago

    Really liked the corn beef sandwiches and tuna sandwiches. Also there blueberries pie . Price is reasonable. All in. Ready to go pack.

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    2 years ago

    Great roast pork!!! The meat is soft and the gravy is delicious. It does sell out so get there by 1:00.

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    2 years ago

    Food is very tasty plentiful, service is great very friendly, and ambiance is just awesome clean roomy .

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    Page 1 of 4

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    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    4.4(4.6k reviews)
    1.6 mi•Kalihi
    •$$

    You have to put your name on the Yelp waitlist outside and they will call you. It was a 15 minute…read morewait for lunch on a Wednesday. Our last meal in Hawaii - a great way to end our vacation. The lomi salmon was fresh and added a great cold to our hot dishes. The ribs were tender and paired wonderfully with the white onion. The lau lau reminded me of southern collard greens - tender and delicious. The butterfish was my favorite. It was crispy and full of flavor. The haupia was complementary and it was soft and delicious - not too sweet. Service was quick and friendly. They explain how to eat each dish and what to pair it with. The owner of the restaurant was the cashier. He explained that his grandma opened the restaurant and they've kept it open for 80 years. He was so sweet. You simply cannot come to Oahu and never try this restaurant. Absolutely amazing experience

    I was looking forward to eating at Helena's Hawaiian Food, but unfortunately my experience with the…read moreservice was incredibly disappointing. When ordering, I mentioned that I probably wouldn't be able to finish all of my food and would take the rest to go. Because I said that, I was told I would NOT be allowed to eat inside the restaurant and that my entire order had to be takeout. I was honestly shocked. I was a paying customer ordering a full meal and simply said I would take whatever I couldn't finish with me--which is something people do at restaurants every day. I even added a 20% tip to my order. I tried to explain the misunderstanding at the front counter. I explained that I absolutely wanted to eat my meal there; I was only saying that because I knew I wouldn't be able to finish everything, I wanted to take my leftovers with me afterward. The employee at the front counter with tattoos refused to hear my explanation. Her answer was completely black-and-white: either my order was "to go" OR I could eat it there. There was no willingness to listen to what I was actually saying or resolve what should have been a very simple misunderstanding. Their customer service model simply doesn't make any sense to me. Why should a paying customer be forced to choose between eating their entire meal inside or ordering everything to go simply because they know in advance that they'll need a container for their leftovers? Taking home food you don't finish is an ordinary part of dining at a restaurant. I wasn't asking for anything unusual or special. I simply wanted to sit down, eat the food I had purchased, and take whatever I couldn't finish with me afterward. The interaction felt unnecessarily rude and incredibly unwelcoming. I had specifically come here because I wanted to experience a well-known local Hawaiian restaurant, and instead I was made to feel like I wasn't welcome to sit down and eat the food I had just purchased--even after leaving a 20% tip. Unfortunately, I never even got the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant because of how I was treated. Very disappointing experience and definitely not the kind of hospitality I expected.

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    Helena's Hawaiian Food - New larger inside dining area

    New larger inside dining area

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Inside

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    Inside

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - Mochiko Chicken

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako

    4.1(2k reviews)
    2.6 mi
    •$$

    Highway Inn is highly recommended for their classic Hawaiian dishes. We made our way over at…read moreopening last Thursday for an early lunch. Our server was very helpful and even brought out a pamphlet explaining each dish. After reading it over, the three of us decided to each try one of the signature Hawaiian combo plates. LAU LAU COMBO (PORK) - 22.99 + poi + lomi salmon The set came out in cafeteria-style trays, almost like a grade school lunch. Our server recommended eating the main entree and lomi salmon with poi, a fermented taro paste. Judging by how it looked, I thoroughly expected the poi to be sweet, but it was actually much more sour, almost like yogurt. I didn't enjoy it too much on its own, but it worked incredibly well with the pork lau lau. The pork was mostly tender and juicy, with a fragrant, leafy steamed flavor that reminded me of the Chinese zong zi my mom makes. The leaner parts of the pork were a bit dry, but the steamed taro leaves helped. The lomi salmon (salted salmon mixed with onions and tomatoes) was refreshing, although the pungent raw onions were a bit much for me. The 'uala (steamed sweet potatoes) had a natural, earthy sweetness that we all enjoyed. Lastly, the haupia (coconut pudding) was incredibly tasty, with a strong coconut flavor that made me sad when I took my last bite. One of my friends got the chicken lau lau, which we actually enjoyed even more. The chicken was delicious, and there was so much of it. Overall, we enjoyed getting to try some authentic Hawaiian dishes at Highway Inn, especially our server and the pamphlet gave us a better understanding of what we were eating.

    My Reliable Hawaiian Food Go-To…read more Highway Inn is my go-to when I'm craving Hawaiian food and want somewhere I know I can usually get into without too long of a wait. Parking is also pretty easy, either in the front lot or the garage at SALT at Our Kaka'ako. I love their fried rice, kalua cabbage, and Hawaiian mix plate. It's reliable comfort food that always hits the spot. My partner usually gets the loco moco and always enjoys it here. Loco moco connoisseur, that one. Good Hawaiian food, convenient parking, and usually an easy meal without too much fuss. There's a reason I keep coming back.

    Photos
    Highway Inn Kaka'ako
    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - KALUA PIG NACHOS,FRIED RICE & SOUR CREAM

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    Fried Rice

    Rainbow Drive-In - Solid little place for some local food

    Rainbow Drive-In

    3.8(6.1k reviews)
    5.9 mi•Kaimuki
    •$$
    Locally owned & operated
    62 years in business

    Have you ever tried authentic Hawaiian food? Do you know what they eat in their houses very…read moreconfused? Check out this place homestyle Hawaiian plates with multiple different options and combinations don't judge the food you have to have it. It has subtle flavors deeply, rooted, cultural identity. Simple yet talk talks about history. When you use display, you can see old school Hawaiian folks explaining you what this food means to them and serve you a plate full of their food of different portions. It's plenty of food for one person to eat. They are very welcoming and they will feel proud of serving this to the guest. It's a very old-school vibe since it's Hawaii. It's mostly outdoor seating but this place is always. It's been there around for a while now and I don't think they're ever going downhill one of the best places to try even though they're plenty of other options for you.

    A local Hawaiian recommended Rainbow Drive-In to us, and I'm glad we stopped by. The loco moco was…read moreso good! Savory, satisfying, and an easy 5/5 for me. You order outside at the window, and there's plenty of outdoor seating. Our food came out pretty quickly, too. There's a restroom available; you just need to ask for the key. Definitely a delicious stop if you're craving a classic loco moco!

    Photos
    Rainbow Drive-In - Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Loco Moco Plate

    Loco Moco Plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Turns out I was wearing my GRAVY ALL OVER shirt so I had to get a pic with my loco moco!

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    Turns out I was wearing my GRAVY ALL OVER shirt so I had to get a pic with my loco moco!

    Waiahole Poi Factory - Fresh, hand pounded poi, traditional staple of the Hawaiian people

    Waiahole Poi Factory

    4.5(1.6k reviews)
    11.2 mi
    •$$

    We had a family event in the area and decided to make a quick stop at Waiahole Poi Factory…read moreafterwards to grab a Sweet Lady of Waiahole! The Sweet Lady of Waiahole is definitely a treat! The warm kulolo paired with the haupia ice cream is such a delicious combination. Also you gotta get it with a double scoop of ice cream! I remember when my boyfriend first introduced me to this dessert, and I was instantly hooked! It's such a unique and satisfying local treat. Definitely a must stop if you're in the area!

    I heard about this spot from multiple people and was excited to see that it fit our itinerary…read moreperfectly! + my boyfriend really wanted to try Poi while we were visiting the Island. There is a really small parking lot available, but we just found parking on side of the street and walked over. There are tables outside for people to enjoy their foods. It can be filled up quickly since lots of people visit this spot. Many people are willing to share space. Single restroom stall available around the building. Staff is super friendly We ordered a plate with Squid Luau, Laulau, and Poi and a single plate with kalua pig. Both plate comes with some sort of coconut pudding? and a very delicious side of lomi with salmon bits in it. The food was so good! Portion was so good and super filling! One note is that we wish there were more squid bits. Overall, a 10/10 would recommend!

    Photos
    Waiahole Poi Factory
    Waiahole Poi Factory - Amazing food. Ho'io salad is a must. Fresh poi is tops. You can't go wrong at Waiahole Poi Factory.

    Amazing food. Ho'io salad is a must. Fresh poi is tops. You can't go wrong at Waiahole Poi Factory.

    Waiahole Poi Factory - The Ohana at Waiahole Poi Factory with members of One Groove.

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    The Ohana at Waiahole Poi Factory with members of One Groove.

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki spam musubi, egg + eel + avocado musubi, spam + egg + bacon + avocado musubi

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume

    4.5(5.5k reviews)
    5.4 mi•Waikiki
    •$

    Musubi Cafe is such a fun, local gem, but be ready for a wait. We went early, midday timing, and…read morethe line was already about 15 people with roughly a 30 minute wait. It moves steadily though, and it is worth it. Inside is tiny, just one small table, so this is really an order and go kind of place rather than somewhere to sit and eat. They have every musubi combination you could think of, unagi, avocado, cucumber, egg, bacon, ume, tofu skin, shrimp, you name it. I got the tuna mayo onigiri and wished they had packed in a little more tuna filling, but it was still tasty. I also tried the cucumber spam musubi, which was really good too. We came as a group of seven and everyone ordered something different, and everyone loved every bite. My tip: get at least two musubis per person. A few people in our group got four each and had zero regrets. One thing to know ahead of time is parking. It is street parking only and pretty limited, so plan for that if you are driving. Overall such an easy, yummy stop and a great local experience in Waikiki.

    We came here because it was highly rated and my sister saw it in a viral Instagram video. The first…read moretime, we ordered the tuna musubi, but it had so much rice and barely any tuna. We decided to come back the next day and order the "Double Tuna," thinking it would actually have double the tuna. Instead, it seemed like the same small amount of tuna with double the rice! We ordered around eight of them, so it was especially disappointing to find that they were mostly rice. The portions just don't feel balanced. If someone pays extra for "Double Tuna," they're expecting more tuna, NOT extra rice. Unfortunately, it felt like they were really skimping on the filling, and the quality didn't live up to the hype for us.

    Photos
    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Inside the shop

    Inside the shop

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

    Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

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    Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

    Fresh Catch - Ahi Limu and Spicy Salmon Poke Bowl

    Fresh Catch

    4.3(1.5k reviews)
    5.5 mi
    •$$

    Great selection of poke for your palate. I had the Fireball Ahi which was both tender and filling…read more The service was both courteous and helpful for test tasting the desired poke. The restaurant is mainly for takeout since there is no seating inside. Coming back for more great poke.

    To start, Fresh Catch was my favorite poke spot that I tried during our Hawaii trip. We walked in a…read morecouple Saturdays ago for lunch, and the interior had no-frills, seafood-market, straight-to-the-counter-to-order kind of vibes. There was only simple bench seating and high-top counter tables with no chairs. We loved that we could sample some before making a choice. POKE BOWL +2 for white rice Since poke is charged by the pound, I went crazy. "A bit more!" I would say, after one gigantic scoop. I got a scoop-plus of both ahi shoyu and "old school" ahi, which is seasoned simply with sesame oil and salt. I ended up with about 0.7 pounds of fish (both 29.99/lb), which came out to around $22. The rice wasn't great since it was a bit mushy and clumpy, but the star of the show was the fresh tuna. The "old school" ahi was my favorite for its simplicity and addictive sesame flavor. It's one I could easily enjoy without rice. The shoyu was also great, but it got a bit too saucy and overwhelming after a few bites. Overall, I truly enjoyed eating all that fresh poke. It was easily my favorite poke of the trip. ICED LILIKOI PASSION TEA - 5 I asked for less sweet, and it was perfect. It was refreshing and smooth, making it great to sip on whenever I needed a break from the intensity of the poke. I'm so glad I got this to pair with my bowl. Next time, I'll get a poke bowl with the "old school" ahi and furikake salmon. I tried my friend's salmon, and it was nutty and umami-forward, with fatty, rich salmon that I really enjoyed.

    Photos
    Fresh Catch - Visit 09/2025

    Visit 09/2025

    Fresh Catch - 5 different types of poke, side of rice with furikake, and cucumbers

    5 different types of poke, side of rice with furikake, and cucumbers

    Fresh Catch - Hawaiian ahi

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    Hawaiian ahi

    Penny's Drive In - hawaiian - Updated September 2026

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